Set in the near future, crime is patrolled by a harsh mechanized police force. But when a police droid named Chappie is taken and re-programmed, he begins to think and feel for the first time in his existence. Now seen as a threat, our robotic hero must now choose where it will stand as the oppressed population begins to stand up for themselves.

Filmmaker Neill Blomkamp’s previous directing credits include District 9 (2009) and Elysium (2013). On February 18th, 2015, it was confirmed that he would be directing the fifth installment in the Alien franchise, due out sometime in 2017.

Prior to directing feature films, Blomkamp worked as a 3D animator on the television series’ Stargate SG-1 (1997) and Smallville (2001), as well as lead animator for the pilot of Dark Angel (2000) and lead 3D animator on the film 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001).

With a screenplay by Blomkamp and his wife Terri Tatchell, Chappie is based on the short film Tetra Vaal (2004), written and directed by Blomkamp.